Text of law

"Article 4 .- RIGHT TO LIFE.

1. Everyone has the right to respect for his life, this right shall be protected by law and in general, from the moment of conception. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life.
2. In countries that have not abolidaola death penalty, this can only be imposed for more serious crimes, in accordance with final sentence of a competent court and in accordance with a law establishing such punishment, enacted prior to the commission of the crime. Not be extended to crimes to which it does not presently apply.
3. Not be reestablished the death penalty in states that have abolished it.
4. In no case shall the death penalty for political offenses or related common politicians.
5. No penalty shall be imposed upon persons who, at the time the crime was committed, were under eighteen years of age or older than seventy, nor shall it apply to women during pregnancy.
6. Anyone sentenced to death has the right to apply for amnesty, pardon or commutation of sentence, which may be granted in all cases. You can not apply the death penalty while the application is pending decision by the competent authority."


This quote is extracted from the Pact of San Jose de Costa Rica, in which States undertake to respect and protect the right to life.
In my course is used in the Human Rights Unit, which is discussed with students.
The right to life is one of the most impoortantes, and many authors state that this is derived from other rights.